Seven amazing black dresses that explain Halloween

The Dress Files |
By Spencer Cain
|

Yep, it's officially October. That means a lot of things.One of which, it's time to start thinking about your Halloween costume. Natch, this is always struggle city – are you going to do a ladies' costume with your baes (tip: Kendall, Gigi and Cara will win you major points) or something with the BF? Either way, work out why we celebrate Halloween with help from seven megababes in über-cool black gowns. Trick or treat, b*tches!

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It *allegedly* started in Ireland...

The Americans really own Halloween these days, but its origin is said to be an ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain. Allow us to explain: every year, folks would honour the end of the farming cycle (on 1 November), and on the night before (think New Year's Eve, but without bandage dresses and sparklers), the living and dead would coexist (basically, evil spirits would appear. Spoooooky).

Kate Moss and Johnny Depp at a party to celebrate her book launch, New York, September 1995

Picture: LFI

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…But the church had a different take

To many, Halloween has religious connotations. Facets of the Christian faith deemed it All Hallows' Eve and All Saints' Eve, which is still observed in some countries today and honours those who have passed away. Even if you don't view it as a holy day, some of the old-school influence has lasted for centuries. Fun fact: on All Hallows' Eve, the dead were said to wander around in masks or costumes so they could avenge their enemies without being easily identified.

Angelina Jolie at the National Board of Review Gala, August 1998

Picture: Getty

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The Jack O' Lantern has been around 4evs, too

One of the best parts of Halloween? All of the pumpkin art (it's Pinterest gold, y'all). And where do these DIY-ing dreams come from? Again, the good ol' Celtic days. Back then, they didn't use pumpkins (they used turnips or swedes) and they were carved and placed in front of people's homes to ward off a mythological dude named Stingy Jack, who was condemned to walking around forever and ever by Satan. Heavy. Fast forward to 2014, and they just look awesome pimping up our front porch.

Cindy Crawford at the MTV VMAs, September 1993

Picture: Getty

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Sweets weren't always a part of the equation

Obvs, trick or treating is an essential part of the festivities (who doesn't love going door-to-door stackin' up the sugar?). But it wasn't until the 30s and 40s in the US that it really took off. But the real kicker is that sweets weren't commonplace in the goodie bags – in fact, things like nuts, fruit, toys and coins were equally as popular. Somehow, the thought of a nice salty cashew just doesn't do it for us like a Twix does.

Claire Danes at a party at the Costume Institute, April 2003

Picture: Getty

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Why black and orange?

The traditional Halloween colours are black and orange and, up until now, you probably had no idea why that is. Well, that's because orange represents autumn and the harvest, while black represents death and overall creepiness. So there you have it!

Claudia Schiffer on the catwalk at Milan Fashion Week, March 1991

Picture: Rex

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It brings in major, major ca$h

In America especially, people go BIG on H'ween. After Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter, it's the biggest cash cow for the American economy – people shell out the big bucks for costumes, candy and decorations. In fact, this year it's projected that the spend will reach up to $11billion. Just to put that into perspective, you could throw 3929 KimYe weddings (which cost an estimated $2.8million) with that. We. Can't. Even. In the UK, it's more like £300million, which is still scarily impressive (see what we did there?).

Katie Holmes at a party to celebrate the 100th episode of Dawson's Creek, February 2002

Picture: Getty

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And last year's most popular costumes?

Think pop culture's buzziest topics: Miley Cyrus at the MTV VMAs, minions from Despicable Me, Princess Elsa from Frozen and all-Breaking-Bad-errthang. Now that's a diverse group, eh? This year, we're hoping for a good number of Angelinas in Maleficent attire, and a smattering of Diana from Bake Off numbers.